The Home Machinist!

The use of dilute sulfuric could be quite useful in cleaning, as it also sharpens a file. I've used vinegar for the same purpose, always with success, but the condition of the file determines the outcome. If a file is badly dulled, the end result, while showing some degree of improvement, won't be a...

I think all we really need is a fast enough spindle. ;) Chuckle! Well, be careful! :lol: I've had soft jaws release parts on more than one occasion, due exactly to the thing you suggested. If the jaws are heavy, and some of mine are, enough speed causes them to release. It's a strange thing to see ...

You are drawing an absolute conclusion from an unfavorable procedure (or setup). The result could very well be perfection, as unlikely as that may be. Correct. Based on my previous experiences in using soft jaws, it's more likely you'd achieve compromise results than acceptable results. With hard j...

I have never been a true fan of LocTite, but Bill Shields has extended experience with its use in heavy industry. With a little luck, maybe he'll repeat some of his experiences he's related previously. Properly applied, there's absolutely nothing wrong with it for installing wheels. Still, that woul...

discovered Muriatic Acid for removing mill scale. If you are not familiar with handling Muriatic (hydrochloric acid), be advised that storing it indoors will pretty much guarantee rust on all ferrous objects, regardless of how well you think the container is sealed. Keep it outside, away from vents...

It is not a poor compromise to seek additional information, which is all I posted. I said it was probably the worst way anyway, but I am sure it isn't. It worked more than once...at least to some magical degree that nobody can substantiate, like everything else. Do not take my remarks personally. T...

search google images for lathe chuck grinding or similar to see a host of neat jaw holding ideas... I stumbled across a post at PM where the guy did the same as me - by using pieces of angle iron squeezed between the jaws (I think that is about the worst way, but it seemed to work for me). A rather...

I also see that this forum has a rather odd size limit on photo dimensions, so I'll have to try to resize them as well. Let me work on that.... The size limit isn't odd---it's just restricted to smaller sizes, all of which are conventional. Resizing should be nothing more than a simple click, selec...

What Rich said. If I was to attempt to correct hardened jaws, I'd be inclined to drill a hole in the end of each, then use pins along with a ring. That's the ultimate way to load the jaws, ensuring that they grip on the ends. Even if the are slightly over corrected, the ends will make contact before...

A very functional spider can be made from a large hex nut. Use the flats to index the nut. Works great, and saves a lot of unnecessary setup. If you do make a spider, it's a good idea to favor one side, so you can bore deeper without hitting the nut. Drill and tap your holes as close to the edge as ...

I've not tried this yet. It will have marginal benefits. It does eliminate the sharp edge that would dig in on larger diameters, but there's still one there, it's just less pronounced, and will have been moved slightly inboard, towards center. Worth doing for those who might hope for the best possi...

I've not tried this yet. It will have marginal benefits. It does eliminate the sharp edge that would dig in on larger diameters, but there's still one there, it's just less pronounced, and will have been moved slightly inboard, towards center. Worth doing for those who might hope for the best possi...